NEW DELHI, India : Former World Champions India showed traces of former glories in a 40 win over Kenya but the Netherlands were held to a 00 draw by unfenced Poland in the opening matches of the Indira Gandhi Hockey Tournament.
Fullback Pargat Singh put India ahead in the 26th minute with a powerful shot from a penalty corner. The Indians made better use of their superb running down the flanks in the second half, scoring three goals.
Left wing Thoiba Singh showed brilliant control to flick home in the 49th minute and 19 minutes later he dribbled past four defenders to score from a sharp angle.
Rightwing Ram Prakash Singh scored the fourth in the final minute of the game. Indian coach Hardyal Singh said he hoped the victory would mark a return to form after the disaster of the world cup in London when India finished last.
The Dutch, playing without several veterans including Thies Kruise, relentlessly attacked the Polish goal in the second half but finished poorly.
The Dutch had six comers and substitute Erik Parlevliet missed excellent chances when he failed to connect with crosses from Captain Tom Van’t Hek and Marten Grimbergen midway through the second half.
Nine teams are competing in the tournament.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 16, 1987
